In Pictures: 15 hot Windows 8 hybrid notebooks and tablets

Microsoft's Windows 8 launch on October 26 is nearly here, and new device announcements are coming so fast you need a scorecard to keep up. One of the big themes with this touch-centric Windows release is touchscreens on everything including Ultrabooks, tablets with keyboard docks, or new all-in-one convertible PCs. Some critics aren't buying the hybrid device craze that Windows 8 is inspiring, but if you ever wanted to a touch-enabled laptop, there's never been a better time to buy.

Microsoft's Windows 8 launch on October 26 is less than two weeks away, and new device announcements are coming so fast you need a scorecard to keep up. One of the big themes with this touch-centric Windows release is touchscreens on everything including Ultrabooks, tablets with keyboard docks, or new all-in-one convertible PCs. Some critics aren't buying the hybrid device craze that Windows 8 is inspiring, but if you ever wanted to a touch-enabled laptop, there's never been a better time to buy.
Note: prices are listed in $USD.

IdeaPad Yoga 11
Release Date: Unannounced
Starting Price: $800
Similar to its larger counterpart, the IdeaPad Yoga 11 can fold backwards from a standard laptop clamshell into a tablet. But unlike the original Yoga announced in January, the Yoga 11 runs Windows RT, the version of Windows designed for ARM processors. The tablet features an 11.6-inch screen with 1366-by-768 resolution, Nvidia Tegra 3 processor, up to 2GB RAM and 64GB SSD storage. The Yoga 11 weighs 2.8 pounds and will be priced around $800; a launch date has not been announced.

Samsung Series 5 Slate
Release Date: October 26
Starting Price: $650
One of the many upcoming tablets running Intel's 1.5GHz Atom Z2760 “Clover Trail” processor. This 11.6-inch device (also known as the Ativ Smart PC) comes loaded with Windows 8, 64GB SSD, 2GB DDR3 RAM, 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, micro HDMI and USB 2.0. An optional keyboard dock is also available. The Series 5 sells for $650 and is available for pre-order from Staples.

Dell XPS 12
Release Date: October 26
Starting Price: $1,200
As long as you trust that the XPS 12's flip-hinge will hold up to punishment for at least three years, this convertible laptop could be a fun little laptop to own. The XPS 12 base specs include a 12.5-inch touch screen, 1.7GHz Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB DDR3 RAM, and 128GB SSD. Pricing starts at $1,200 and you can pre-order now.

Acer M5-481PT
Release Date: October 26
Starting Price: $800
This 14-inch laptop features an edge-to-edge multi-touch display, an Ivy Bridge Core i5 processor, 500GB hard drive and a 20GB SSD, two USB 3.0 ports, and HDMI out. This isn't really a hybrid device, but it is an example of how computer manufacturers will start to integrate touch screens into even standard clamshell laptops.

Sony Tap 20
Release Date: end of October
Starting Price: $880
For those times the 9.7-inch iPad just isn't big enough, you can operate this “tablet” with a close friend. The Sony Tap 20 is a small-sized all-in-one PC that can fold down into a tablet. The device features a 20-inch IPS display with 1600-by-900 resolution, 1.7GHz Intel Ivy Bridge Core i5 processor, 4GB RAM, Intel HD4000 integrated graphics, 750GB hard drive, Bluetooth 4.0 and 802.11n Wi-Fi.

Sony Duo 11 Ultrabook
Release Date: end of October
Starting Price: $1,100
This tablet features a sliding keyboard attached to its underside for those times you need a laptop. The device features an 11.6-inch IPS touchscreen with 1920-by-1080 resolution, 1.7 GHz Intel Core i5 processor, 128GB SSD, and 6GB RAM. The Duo 11 weighs 2 pounds 13 ounces and is less than an inch thick.

Asus Taichi
Release Date: October 26
Starting Price: $1,300
The Asus Taichi is a prototypical Ultrabook except that it has a display on the backside of the screen where you usually see the company's branding. The double-sided Taichi will feature 11.6-inch screens with 1920-by-1080 resolution, Ivy Bride Core i5 or i7 processor, up to 256 GB SSD storage, and 802.11n Wi-Fi. A 13.3-inch version is also in the works, the 11.6-inch device is available for pre-order now at Amazon, Newegg, and other retailers.

Lenovo ThinkPad Twist
Release Date: October 26
Starting Price: $850
Based on the ThinkPad design, the Twist features a 12.5-inch display, Intel Ivy Bridge Core processors, your choice of HDD or SSD storage, USB 3.0, min DisplayPort, and mini HDMI. The device weighs 3.48 pounds and is 0.78-inches thick. The Twist also features a ThinkPad-style keyboard similar to the X220 or X230, but appears to be a little flatter to allow the screen to twist and fold over.

Lenovo IdeaTab Lynx
Release Date: December
Starting Price: $600
Packed with an Intel Atom Clover Trail processor (presumably the Z2760), the Lynx tablet features an 11.6-inch display and weighs 1.41 pounds. The Lynx will connect to a keyboard dock. Many of the specs have yet to be announced.

Microsoft Surface RT
Release Date: October 26 (expected)
Starting Price: $500
You can't talk about upcoming Windows 8 devices without discussing Microsoft's Surface. Although this device is officially a 10.6-inch tablet you can pair it with a Touch Cover that doubles as a tablet cover and a keyboard. This is a unique “kinda, sorta” hybrid device.

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